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Flavorful Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe with Crispy Bacon Made Easy

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A comforting baked beans recipe featuring navy beans slow baked in a bourbon-infused sauce with brown sugar and crispy bacon for a smoky, sweet, and savory flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 grams) dried navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 6 slices thick-cut crispy bacon
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • About 2 cups (480 ml) water or broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (200 grams) dried navy beans under cold water. Place in a large bowl, cover with about 3 inches (7.5 cm) of water, and soak overnight (8-12 hours).
  2. Drain soaked beans and transfer to a large pot. Cover with fresh water or broth (about 2 cups/480 ml). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
  3. Dice 6 slices of thick-cut bacon. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon pieces and set aside on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  4. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add 1 finely chopped medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar, 1/3 cup (80 ml) ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Add cooked beans to the skillet and gently mix until beans are coated with the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Transfer the bean mixture into an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish. Scatter crispy bacon evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until sauce is thick and bubbly. Keep an eye on the edges to avoid burning.
  9. Let the beans cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soak beans overnight for best texture and reduced cooking time. Cook bacon separately to keep it crispy. Use a good quality bourbon for best flavor. Stir midway through baking to prevent scorching. If sauce is too thick before baking, add a splash of water or broth. Prepare beans a day ahead and bake fresh for richer flavors. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika and liquid smoke. For gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, crispy bacon, navy beans, barbecue side dish, easy baked beans, bourbon recipe

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/flavorful-brown-sugar-bourbon-baked-beans-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-made-easy/